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The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively looking to add a center and a right-shot defenseman before the NHL trade deadline.

It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the hunt for reinforcements before the NHL trade deadline on March 7th. The team has been linked to a number of players, but two names keep popping up: Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn.

Toronto Maple Leafs insider David Feschuk recently appeared on TSN Radio and made a strong case for the Leafs to target these two players specifically.

Feschuk highlighted Schenn’s strong chemistry with Morgan Rielly, suggesting that Schenn could be acquired for a relatively inexpensive 3rd round pick. On the other hand, O’Reilly is seen as a perfect fit for the team’s 3rd line center role. Feschuk remembers O’Reilly’s key role in the Maple Leafs’ first-round playoff victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning just a few seasons ago.

With a very reasonable salary cap hit of $4.5 million for the next two years, O’Reilly is an attractive target. However, the Leafs might need to give up a first-round pick if they want Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz to retain some of O’Reilly’s salary. If the Preds retain no salary, the Leafs could be looking at parting ways with prospect Fraser Minten.

Why O’Reilly and Schenn Are the Perfect Fits for the Maple Leafs

Adding Grit and Depth Down the Middle

Ryan O’Reilly is a proven playoff performer. He has a Stanley Cup ring from his time with the Blues and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to any team he plays for. While his offensive numbers might not jump off the page, O’Reilly’s defensive prowess and ability to win key faceoffs are exactly what the Leafs need on their 3rd line.  

The Maple Leafs boast a talented top-six forward group, but their center depth beyond that has been a question mark. O’Reilly would instantly solidify the 3rd line center position and provide a much-needed boost to the team’s penalty kill.

Solving the Right-Handed Defense Dilemma

The Leafs have lacked a reliable right-handed defenseman for years. While they’ve made some strides by acquiring Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev, adding another strong right-handed option would significantly improve their defensive depth.

Luke Schenn is a big, physical defenseman who can eat up minutes and provide a steady presence on the blue line. His experience playing alongside Morgan Rielly is another big positive. Schenn and Rielly have shown great chemistry in the past, and their reunion could bolster the Leafs’ defensive core.  

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